spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every
newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is
an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in the _Classical
Journal_, no. IV., p. 720. The _hand-writing_ of Porson
is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his
_Greek_ characters have always struck me as being more stiff
and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when
he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS.
of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the
party. Little did I then expect that three years only would
deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and
myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will
now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809,
by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of
bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes.
_Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and
valuable library of the late_ JOHN MADDISON, _Esq., of the
foreign department in the Post Office, &c._: sold by auction
by King and Lochée, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and
elegant collection. 5239 articles. II. _A Catalogue of a
curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in
Typography, History, Voyages, Early English Poetvy
[Transcriber's Note: Poetry], Romances, Classics_, &c.: the
property of a Collector well known for his literary taste,
&c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some
curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots. III. _A
Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of_
EMPEROR JOHN ALEXANDER WOODFORD, Esq., sold by auction by
Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.--1773 articles. This was
a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought
large prices, from being sharply contended for. IV. _A
Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and
biographical part of the_ LIBRARY OF A GENTLEMAN,
particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the
grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and
abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in
May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious
and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly
recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive'
bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was
yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy--shall I say
MADNESS?--displayed at BOOK-AUCTIONS. The sale of Mr.
Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English
antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly
beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited
still stronger sensations. As the _prices_ for some of the
articles sold in the Gough collection have already been
printed in the _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lxxx., pt. ii.,
and as those for which some of the _latter_ collection were
sold, appeared in the 4th number of _The Classical Journal_,
it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. I.
_A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the
exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the
Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary_, RICHARD GOUGH,
Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby,
April, 1810, 8vo.--4082 articles. The MANUSCRIPTS conclude
the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed
books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough,
executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble
opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before
the public: _Typog. Antiquit._, vol. I., 21. II. _A
Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and
valuable publications in every department of Literature,
from the first invention of Printing to the present time,
all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c._: sold
by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.--4809 articles.
Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed
in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of
the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr.
Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and
purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only
250 copies are printed. The REV. MR. HEATH is reported to
have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous
classical library: the sale of which produced 9000_l._ Never
did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'--as
the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer
rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy
characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by
no means a first-rate one) brought 92_l._: and all the
ALDINE CLASSICS produced such an electricity of sensation
that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it
hence be said that _black-letter lore_ is the only
fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors.
This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter
prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful
philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian
language--and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a
bookseller's shelf these dozen years--will now start up from
its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be
noticed and 'made much of.'
Here I terminate my _annotation labours_ relating to
ANECDOTES OF BOOK-COLLECTORS, and ACCOUNTS OF BOOK-AUCTIONS.
Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been
thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in
regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting
scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the
increase of the disease called the BIBLIOMANIA. Some of the
most curious volumes in English literature have in these
notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a
laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond
hope that this account will be consulted by all those who
make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to
rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put
on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, with
_L'Envoy_ at the close of MARMION,
To all, to each, a fair good night,
And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.]
LOREN. Do you mean to have it inferred that there were no collections,
of value or importance, which were sold in the mean time?
LYSAND. I thank you for stopping me: for I am hoarse as well as
stupid: I consider the foregoing only as the greater stars or
constellations in the bibliographical hemisphere. Others were less
observed from their supposed comparative insignificancy; although, if
you had attended the auctions, you would have found in them many very
useful, and even rare and splendid, productions. But we are all
'Tickled with the whistling of a name!'
LOREN. Ay, and naturally enough too. If I look at my Stubbes's
_Anatomy of Abuses_, which has received _your abuse_ this evening, and
fancy that the leaves have been turned over by the scientific hand of
Pearson, Farmer, or Steevens, I experience, by association of ideas, a
degree of happiness which I never could have enjoyed had I obtained
the volume from an unknown collector's library.
LIS. Very true; and yet you have only Master Stubbes's work after
all!
LOREN. Even so. But this _fictitious_ happiness, as you would call it,
is, in effect, _real_ happiness; inasmuch as it produces positive
sensations of delight.
LIS. Well, there is no arguing with such a bibliomaniac as yourself,
Lorenzo.
BELIN. But allow, brother, that this degree of happiness, of which
you boast, is not quite so exquisite as to justify the very high terms
of purchase upon which it is often times procured.
LYSAND. There is no such thing as the 'golden mediocrity' of Horace in
book pursuits. Certain men set their hearts upon certain copies, and
'_coûte qu'il coûte_' they must secure them. Undoubtedly, I would
give not a little for Parker's own copy of the Book of _Common
Prayer_, and Shakspeare's own copy of both parts of his _Henry the
Fourth_.
ALMAN. Well, Lisardo, we stand no chance of stemming the torrent
against two such lusty and opiniated bibliomaniacs as my brother and
Lysander: although I should speak with deference of, and acknowledge
with grateful respect, the extraordinary exertions of the latter, this
evening, to amuse and instruct us.
LIS. This evening?----say, this day:--this live-long day--and
yesterday also! But have you quite done, dear Lysander?
LYSAND. Have you the conscience to ask for more? I have brought you
down to the year of our Lord _One thousand eight hundred and eleven_;
and without touching upon the collections of LIVING BIBLIOMANIACS, or
foretelling what may be the future ravages of the Bibliomania in the
course of only the next dozen years, I think it proper to put an end
to my BOOK-COLLECTING HISTORY, and more especially to this long trial
of your auricular patience.
LOREN. A thousand thanks for your exertions! Although your friend,
with whom you are on a visit, knows pretty well the extent of my
bibliographical capacity, and that there have been many parts in your
narrative which were somewhat familiar to me, yet, upon the whole,
there has been a great deal more of novelty, and, in this novelty, of
solid instruction. Sincerely, therefore Lysander, I here offer you my
heart-felt thanks.
LYSAND. I receive them as cordially: from an assurance that my
digressions have been overlooked; or, if noticed, forgiven. It would
be gross vanity, and grosser falsehood, to affirm that the discourse
of this day, on my part, has given anything like a full and explicit
history of all the most eminent book-collectors and patrons of
Learning which have reflected such lustre upon the literary annals of
our country:--No, Lorenzo: a complete account, or a perfect
description, of these illustrious characters would engage a
conversation, not for one day--but one week. Yet I have made the most
of the transient hour, and, by my enthusiasm, have perhaps atoned for
my deficiency of information.
LIS. But cannot you resume this conversation on the morrow?
LYSAND. My stay with our friend is short, and I know not how he means
to dispose of me to-morrow. But I have done--certainly done--with
_Personal History_!
LOREN. That may be. Yet there are other departments of the Bibliomania
which may be successfully discussed. The weather will probably be
fine, and let us enjoy a morning _conversazione_ in THE ALCOVE?
BELIN. Surely, Lysander may find something in the fruitful
pigeon-holes of his imagination--as the Abbè Sieyes used to do--from
which he may draw forth some system or other?
ALMAN. You have all talked loudly and learnedly of the BOOK-DISEASE;
but I wish to know whether a _mere collector_ of books be a
bibliomaniac?
LYSAND. Certainly not. There are SYMPTOMS of this disease _within the
very books themselves_ of a bibliomaniac.
ALMAN. And pray what are these?
LYSAND. Alas, madam!--why are you so unreasonable? And how, after
knowing that I have harrangued for more than 'seven hours by
Westminster clock'--how can you have the conscience to call upon me to
protract the oration? The night has already melted into morning; and I
suppose grey twilight is discoverable upon the summit of the hills. I
am exhausted; and long for repose. Indeed, I must wish you all a good
night.
BELIN. But you promise to commence your _symptomatic_ harangue on the
morrow?
LYSAND. If my slumbers are sound, lady fair, and I rise tolerably
recruited in strength, I will surely make good my promise. Again, good
night!
BELIN. Sir, a very good night: and let our best thanks follow you to
your pillow.
ALMAN. Remember, as you sink to repose, what a quantity of good you
have done, by having imparted such useful information.
LYSAND. I shall carry your best wishes, and grateful mention of my
poor labours, with me to my orisons. Adieu!--'tis very late.
* * * * *
Here the company broke up. Lisardo slept at Lorenzo's. Philemon and
Lysander accompanied me to my home; and as we past Lorenzo's outer
gate, and looked backward upon the highest piece of rising ground, we
fancied we saw the twilight of morning. Never was a mortal more
heartily thanked for his colloquial exertions than was Lysander. On
reaching home, as we separated for our respective chambers, we shook
hands most cordially; and my eloquent guest returned the squeeze, in a
manner which seemed to tell that he had no greater happiness at heart
than that of finding a reciprocity of sentiment among those whom he
tenderly esteemed. At this moment, we could have given to each other
the choicest volume in our libraries; and I regretted that I had not
contrived to put my black-morocco copy of the small _Aldine Petrarch,
printed upon_ VELLUM, under Lysander's pillow, as a 'Pignus
Amicitiæ.'--But we were all to assemble together in Lorenzo's ALCOVE
on the morrow; and this thought gave me such lively pleasure that I
did not close my eyes 'till the clock had struck five. Such are the
bed-luxuries of a Bibliomaniac!
[Illustration]
[Illustration: The reader is here presented with one of the "Facs," or
ornamental letters in _Pierce Ploughman's Creed_.]
PART VI.
=The Alcove.=
SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
"One saith this booke is too long: another, too short: the
third, of due length; and for fine phrase and style, the
like [of] that booke was not made a great while. It is all
lies, said another; the booke is starke naught."
_Choice of Change_; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
=The Alcove.=
SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
Softly blew the breeze, and merrily sung the lark, when Lisardo
quitted his bed-chamber at seven in the morning, and rang lustily at
my outer gate for admission. So early a visitor put the whole house in
commotion; nor was it without betraying some marks of peevishness and
irritability that, on being informed of his arrival, I sent word by
the servant to know what might be the cause of such an interruption.
The reader will readily forgive this trait of harshness and
precipitancy, on my part, when he is informed that I was then just
enjoying the "honey dew" of sleep, after many wakeful and restless
hours.
Lisardo's name was announced: and his voice, conveyed in the sound of
song-singing, from the bottom of the garden, left the name of the
visitor no longer in doubt. I made an effort, and sprung from my bed;
and, on looking through the venetian blinds, I discovered our young
bibliomaniacal convert with a book sticking out of his pocket, another
half opened in his hand (upon which his eyes were occasionally cast),
and a third kept firmly under his left arm. I thrust my head,
"night-cap, tassel and all," out of window, and hailed him; not,
however, before a delicious breeze, wafted over a bed of mignonette,
had electrified me in a manner the most agreeable imaginable.
Lisardo heard, and hailed me in return. His eyes sparkled with joy;
his step was quick and elastic; and an unusual degree of animation
seemed to pervade his whole frame. "Here," says he, "here is _The
British Bibliographer_[414] in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's
_Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_ in my pocket, while
another, of Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_, is kept
snugly under my arm, as a corps de reserve, or rallying point. If
these things savour not of bibliography, I must despair of ever
attaining to the exalted character of a Bibliomaniac!"
[Footnote 414: _The British Bibliographer_ is a periodical
publication; being a continuation of a similar work under
the less popular title of _The Censura Literaria_;
concerning which see p. 52, ante. It is a pity that Mr.
Savage does not continue his _British Librarian_; (of which
18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable
supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide p.
51, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted
to an analysis of _Sir William Dugdale's_ works, with
correct lists of the plates in the same.]
"You are up betimes," said I. "What dream has disturbed your rest?"
"None" replied he; "but the most delightful visions have appeared to
me during my sleep. Since you left Lorenzo's, I have sipt nectar with
Leland, and drunk punch with Bagford. Richard Murray has given me a
copy of Rastell's _Pastime of People_,[415] and Thomas Britton has
bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian[416] philosophy.
Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has approached me;
reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,[417]
in the ensuing year, within the precincts of his grand library. In
short, half the bibliomaniacs, whom Lysander so enthusiastically
commended last night, have paid their devoirs to me in my dreams, and
nothing could be more handsome than their conduct towards me."
[Footnote 415: The reader may have met with some slight
notices of this curious work in pp. 331; 337; 385; 392; 417;
ante.]
[Footnote 416: See p. 332, ante.]
[Footnote 417: See p. 49, ante.]
This discourse awakened my friends, Lysander and Philemon; who each,
from different rooms, put their heads out of window, and hailed the
newly-risen sun with night caps which might have been mistaken for
Persian turbans. Such an unexpected sight caused Lisardo to burst out
into a fit of laughter, and to banter my guests in his usual strain of
vivacity. But on our promising him that we would speedily join his
peripatetic bibliographical reveries, he gave a turn towards the left,
and was quickly lost in a grove of Acacia and Laurustinus. For my
part, instead of keeping this promise, I instinctively sought my bed;
and found the observation of Franklin,--of air-bathing being
favourable to slumber,--abundantly verified--for I was hardly settled
under the clothes 'ere I fell asleep: and, leaving my guests to make
good their appointment with my visitor, I enjoyed a sweet slumber of
more than two hours.
As early rising produces a keen appetite for bodily, as well as
mental, gratification, I found my companions clamorous for their
breakfast. A little before ten o'clock, we were all prepared to make a
formal attack upon muffins, cake, coffee, tea, eggs, and cold tongue.
The window was thrown open; and through the branches of the clustering
vine, which covered the upper part of it, the sun shot a warmer ray;
while the spicy fragrance from surrounding parterres, and jessamine
bowers, made even such bibliomaniacs as my guests forgetful of the
gaily-coated volumes which surrounded them. At length the conversation
was systematically commenced on the part of Lysander.
LYSAND. To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our departure. We would
willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls
_him_ to Manchester--and _myself_ to Bristol and Exeter.
LIS. Some bookseller,[418] I warrant, has published a thumping
catalogue at each of these places. Ha!--here I have you, sober-minded
Lysander! You are as arrant a book-madman as any of those renowned
bibliomaniacs whom you celebrated yesterday evening!--Yet, if you love
me, take me with you! My pistoles are not exhausted.
[Footnote 418: I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's
eulogy upon _London Booksellers_ (see p. 308, ante) the very
handsome manner in which Mr. Roscoe alludes to their
valuable catalogues--as having been of service to him in
directing his researches into foreign literature. His words
are these: "The rich and extensive Catalogues published by
EDWARDS, PAYNE, and other _London Booksellers_, who have of
late years diligently sought for, and imported into England,
whatever is curious or valuable in foreign literature, have
also contributed to the success of my inquiries." _Lorenzo
de Medici_: pref. p. XXVII., edit. 1800, 8vo.]
PHIL. Peace, Lisardo!--but you are, in truth, a bit of a prophet. It
is even as you surmise. We have each received a forwarded letter,
informing us of very choice and copious collections of books about to
be sold at these respective places. While I take my departure for Mr.
Ford of Manchester, Lorenzo is about to visit the book-treasures of
Mr. Dyer of Exeter, and Mr. Gutch of Bristol:--but, indeed, were not
this the case, our abode here must terminate on the morrow.
LIS. I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the
principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.
LYSAND. Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.[419] We
speak only of what has come within our limited experience. There may
be many brave and sagacious bibliopolists whose fame has not reached
our ears, nor perhaps has any one of the present circle ever heard of
the late Mr. Miller of Bungay;[420] who, as I remember my father to
have said, in spite of blindness and multifarious occupations,
attached himself to the book-selling trade with inconceivable ardour
and success. But a word, Lisardo!
[Footnote 419: Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr.
Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see p. 123, ante), the
same bookseller has put forth another voluminous catalogue,
of nine thousand and odd articles; forming, with the
preceding, 15,729 lots. This is doing wonders for a
provincial town; and that a _commercial_ one!! Of Mr.
Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made
before at p. 404, ante. He is, as yet, hardly _mellowed_ in
his business; but a few years only will display him as
thoroughly _ripened_ as any of his brethren. He comes from a
worthy stock; long known at our _Alma Mater
Oxoniensis_:--and as a dutiful son of my University Mother,
and in common with every one who is acquainted with his
respectable family, I wish him all the success which he
merits. Mr. George Dyer of Exeter is a distinguished
_veteran_ in the book-trade: his catalogue of 1810, in two
parts, containing 19,945 articles, has, I think, never been
equalled by that of any provincial bookseller, for the value
and singularity of the greater number of the volumes
described in it. As Lysander had mentioned the foregoing
book-vending gentlemen, I conceived myself justified in
_appending_ this note. I could speak with pleasure and
profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the _north of the
Tweed_--(see p. 415, ante); but for fear of awaking all the
frightful passions of wrath, jealousy, envy--I stop:
declaring, from the bottom of my heart, in the language of
an auld northern bard:
I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane,
And unaffectit language, I delyte:
(_Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno_ 1572.)]
[Footnote 420: There is something so original in the
bibliomanical character of the above-mentioned Mr. Miller
that I trust the reader will forgive my saying a word or two
concerning him. Thomas Miller of Bungay, in Suffolk, was
born in 1731, and died in 1804. He was put apprentice to a
grocer in Norwich: but neither the fragrance of spices and
teas, nor the lusciousness of plums and figs, could seduce
young Miller from his darling passion of reading, and of
buying odd volumes of the _Gentleman's_ and _Universal
Magazine_ with his spare money. His genius was, however,
sufficiently versatile to embrace both trades; for in 1755,
he set up for himself in the character of _Grocer_ and
_Bookseller_. I have heard Mr. Otridge, of the Strand,
discourse most eloquently upon the brilliant manner in which
Mr. Miller conducted his complicated concerns; and which,
latterly, were devoted entirely to the _Bibliomania_.
Although Bungay was too small and obscure for a spirit like
Miller's to disclose its full powers, yet he continued in it
till his death; and added a love of portrait and coin, to
that of book, collecting. For fifty years his stock, in
these twin departments, was copious and respectable; and
notwithstanding total blindness, which afflicted him during
the last six years of his life, he displayed uncommon
cheerfulness, activity, and even skill in knowing where the
different classes of books were arranged in his shop. Mr.
Miller was a warm loyalist, and an enthusiastic admirer of
Mr. Pitt. In 1795, when provincial copper coins were very
prevalent, our bibliomaniac caused a die of himself to be
struck; intending to strike some impressions of it upon gold
and silver, as well as upon copper. He began with the
latter; and the die breaking when only 23 impressions were
struck off, Miller, in the true spirit of numismatical
_virtû_, declined having a fresh one made. View here, gentle
reader, a wood-cut taken from the same: "This coin, which is
very finely engraved, and bears a strong profile likeness of
himself, is known to collectors by the name of 'THE MILLER
HALFPENNY.' Mr. Miller was extremely careful into whose
hands the impressions went; and they are now become so rare
as to produce at sales from three to five guineas."
_Gentleman's Magazine_; vol. lxxiv., p. 664.
[Illustration]]
LIS. Twenty, if you please.
LYSAND. What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you
were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?
LIS. I care not a brass farthing for them:--only I do rather wish that
I had purchased the Count de Neny's _Catalogue of the Printed Books
and Manscripts [Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts] in the Royal Library
of France_. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!
PHIL. You wished for these books, to _set fire_ to them
perhaps--keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your
father?[421]
[Footnote 421: The reader may not object to turn for one
moment to p. 27, ante.]
LIS. No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample
atonement.
LYSAND. 'Tis true: and so we forgive and forget. Happy change!--and
all hail this salubrious morning, which witnesses the complete and
effectual conversion of Lisardo! Instead of laughing at our
book-hobbies, and ridiculing all bibliographical studies--which, even
by a bibliographer in the dry department of the law, have been rather
eloquently defended and enforced[422]--behold this young
bibliomaniacal chevalier, not daunted by the rough handling of a
London Book-Auction, anxious to mount his courser, and scour the
provincial fields of bibliography! Happy change! From my heart I
congratulate you!
[Footnote 422: "Our nation (says Mr. Bridgeman) has been too
inattentive to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries;
for, generally, the English reader is obliged to resort to
foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of
authors. It behoves us, however, to consider that there is
not a more useful, or a more desirable branch of education
than a knowledge of books; which, being correctly attained,
and judiciously exercised, will prove the touchstone of
intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a
spotless page from prostitution." _Legal Bibliography_;
1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)]
LIS. From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you, Lysander, upon the
resuming of your wonted spirits! I had imagined that the efforts of
yesterday would have completely exhausted you. How rapturously do I
look forward for the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA to be told this
morning in Lorenzo's ALCOVE! You have not forgotten your promise!
LYSAND. No, indeed; but if I am able to do justice to the elucidation
of so important a subject, it will be in consequence of having enjoyed
a placid, though somewhat transient, slumber: notwithstanding the
occurrence of a very uncommon _dream_!
LIS. "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told--but
what was yours?
LYSAND. Nay, it is silly to entertain one another with stories of
phantastic visions of the night. I have known the most placid-bosomed
men grow downright angry at the very introduction of such a discourse.
PHIL. That may be; but we have, luckily, no such _placidly-moulded_
bosoms in the present society. I love this sort of gossipping during
breakfast, of all things. If our host permit, do give us your dream,
Lysander!
LIS. The dream!--The dream!--I entreat you.
LYSAND. I fear you will fall asleep, and dream yourself, before the
recital of it be concluded. But I will get through it as well as I
can.
Methought I was gently lifted from the ground into the air by a being
of very superior size, but of an inexpressible sweetness of
countenance. Although astonished by the singularity of my situation, I
was far from giving way entirely to fear; but, with a mixture of
anxiety and resignation, awaited the issue of the event. My Guide or
Protector (for so this being must now be called) looked upon me with
an air of tenderness, mingled with reproof; intimating, as I
conceived, that the same superior Power, which had thus transported me
above my natural element, would of necessity keep me in safety. This
quieted my apprehensions.
We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could
discover the world below as one small darkened spot, when my Guide
interrupted the awful silence that had been preserved, by the
following exclamation: "Approach, O man, the place of thy
destination--compose thy perturbed spirits, and let all thy senses be
awakened to a proper understanding of the scene which thou art about
to behold." So saying, he moved along with an indescribable velocity;
and while my eyes were dazzled by an unusual effulgence of light, I
found myself at rest upon a solid seat--formed of crystal, of
prodigious magnitude.
My guide then fixed himself at my right hand, and after a vehement
ejaculation, accompanied by gestures, which had the effect of
enchantment upon me, he extended a sceptre of massive gold, decorated
with emeralds and sapphires. Immediately there rose up a MIRROR of
gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages,
the word "TRUTH." I sat in mute astonishment. "Examine," said my
Guide, with a voice the most encouraging imaginable, "examine the
objects reflected upon the surface of this mirror." "There are none
that are discernible to my eyes," I replied. "Thou shalt soon be
gratified then," resumed this extraordinary being (with a severe smile
upon his countenance), "but first let me purge thine eyes from those
films of prejudice which, in the world you inhabit, are apt to
intercept the light of TRUTH." He then took a handful of aromatic
herbs, and, rubbing them gently upon my temples, gave me the power of
contemplating, with perfect discernment, the objects before me.
Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the MIRROR
the whole world seemed to be reflected! At first, I could not controul
my feelings: but, like a child that springs forward to seize an object
greatly beyond its grasp, I made an effort to leave my seat, and to
_mingle_ in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide
interfered--and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade
all further participation of it. "_View_ it attentively," replied he,
"and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see--it may solace
thee the remainder of thy days."
The authoritative air, with which these words were delivered, quite
repressed and unnerved me. I obeyed, and intently viewed the objects
before me. The first thing that surprised me was the representation of
all the metropolitan cities of Europe. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin,
and Petersburg, in particular, occupied my attention; and, what was
still _more_ surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event
going on in them--but more particularly of the transactions of _Bodies
Corporate_. I saw Presidents in their chairs, with Secretaries and
Treasurers by their sides; and to whatever observations were made the
most implicit attention was paid. Here, an eloquent Lecturer was
declaiming upon the beauty of morality, and the deformity of vice:
there, a scientific Professor was unlocking the hidden treasures of
nature, and explaining how Providence, in all its measures, was
equally wonderful and wise. The experiments which ensued, and which
corroborated his ingenious and profound remarks, suspended a
well-informed audience in rapturous attention; which was followed by
instinctive bursts of applause.
Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the
proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their
labours in _Philosophy_ and _Antiquity_. Methought I saw the spirits
of NEWTON and of DUGDALE, looking down with complacency upon them, and
congratulating each other upon the _general_ progress of civilization
since they had ceased to mingle among men. "These institutions,"
observed my Guide, "form the basis of rational knowledge, and are the
source of innumerable comforts: for the _many_ are benefitted by the
researches and experiments of the _few_. It is easy to laugh at such
societies, but it is not quite so easy to remedy the inconveniences
which would be felt, if they were extinct. Nations become powerful in
proportion to their wisdom; it has uniformly been found that where
philosophers lived, and learned men wrote, there the arts have
flourished, and heroism and patriotism have prevailed. True it is that
discrepancies will sometimes interrupt the harmony of public bodies.
But why is perfection to be expected, where every thing must
necessarily be imperfect? It is the duty of man to make the _nearest
approaches_ to public and private happiness. And if, as with a sponge,
he wipe away such establishments, genius has little incentive to
exertion, and merit has still less hope of reward. Now cast your eyes
on a different scene."
I obeyed, and, within the same city, saw a great number of Asylums and
Institutions for the ignorant and helpless. I saw youth instructed,
age protected, the afflicted comforted, and the diseased cured. My
emotions at this moment were wonderfully strong--they were perceived
by my guide, who immediately begged of me to consider the manner by
which _epidemic maladies_ were prevented or alleviated, and especially
how _the most fatal of them_ had been arrested in its progress. I
attentively examined the objects before me, and saw thousands of
smiling children and enraptured mothers walking confidently 'midst
plague and death! I saw them, happy in the protection which had been
afforded them by the most useful and most nutritious of animals!
"Enough," exclaimed my guide, "thou seest here the glorious result of
a philosophical mind, gifted with unabatable ardour of experiment.
Thou wilt acknowledge that, compared with the triumph which SUCH A
MIND enjoys, the conquests of heroes are puerile, and the splendour of
monarchy is dim!" During this strain, I fancied I could perceive the
human being, alluded to by my guide, retire apart in conversation with
another distinguished friend of humanity, by those unwearied exertions
the condition of many thousand poor people had been meliorated.
"There is yet," resumed my guide, "another scene equally interesting
as the preceding. From a pure morality flows a pure religion: look
therefore on those engaged in the services of CHRISTIANITY." I
looked, and saw a vast number of my fellow-creatures prostrate in
adoration before their Creator and Redeemer. I fancied I could hear
the last strains of their hallelujahs ascending to the spot whereon I
sat. "Observe," said my Protector, "all do not worship in the same
manner, because all assent not to the same creed; but the intention of
each may be pure: at least, common charity teaches us thus to think,
till some open act betray a malignity of principle. Toleration is the
vital spark of religion: arm the latter with the whips of persecution,
and you convert her into a fiend scattering terror and dismay! In your
own country you enjoy a liberty of sentiment beyond every other on the
face of the globe. Learn to be grateful for such an inestimable
happiness."
These words had hardly escaped my guide, when I was irresistibly led
to look on another part of the Mirror where a kind of imperial
magnificence, combined with the severest discipline, prevailed. "You
are contemplating," resumed my preternatural Monitor, "one of the most
interesting scenes in Europe. See the effect of revolutionary
commotions! While you view the sable spirit of the last monarch of
France gliding along, at a distance, with an air of sorrow and
indignation; while you observe a long line of legitimate princes,
exiled from their native country, and dependant upon the contributions
of other powers; mark the wonderful, the unparalleled reverse of human
events! and acknowledge that the preservation of the finest specimens
of art, the acquisition of every thing which can administer to the
wants of luxury, or decorate the splendour of a throne--the
acclamations of hired multitudes or bribed senates--can reflect little
lustre on THAT CHARACTER which still revels in the frantic wish of
enslaving the world! It is true, you see yonder, Vienna, Petersburg,
Stockholm, and Berlin, bereft of their ancient splendour, and bowing,
as it were, at the feet of a despot--but had these latter countries
kept alive one spark of that patriotism which so much endears to us
the memories of Greece and Rome--had they not, in a great measure,
become disunited by factions, we might, even in these days, however
degenerate, have witnessed something like that national energy which
was displayed in the bay of Salamis, and on the plains of Marathon."
My Guide perceiving me to be quite dejected during these remarks,
directed my attention to another part of the Mirror, which reflected
the transactions of the _Western_ and _Eastern_ world.
At first, a kind of _mist_ spread itself upon the glass, and prevented
me from distinguishing any object. This, however, gradually dissolved,
and was succeeded by a thick, black smoke, which involved every thing
in impenetrable obscurity. Just as I was about to turn to my guide,
and demand the explanation of these appearances, the smoke rolled
away, and instantaneously, there flashed forth a thousand bickering
flames. "What," cried I, "is the meaning of these objects?" "Check,
for one moment, your impatience, and your curiosity shall be
gratified," replied my guide. I then distinctly viewed thousands of
_Black Men_, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression,
starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud
"WE ARE FREE!" One tall commanding figure, who seemed to exercise the
rights of a chieftain among them, gathered many tribes around him, and
addressed them in the following few, but comprehensive, words:
"Countrymen, it has pleased the Great God above to make man
instrumental to the freedom of his fellow-creatures. While we lament
our past, let us be grateful for our present, state: and never let us
cease, each revolving year, to build an altar of stones to the memory,
of that GREAT and GOOD MAN, who hath principally been the means of our
FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act,
as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."
"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the
_western_ world: but see how the _eastern_ empires are yet ignorant
and unsettled!" I was about to turn my eyes to Persia and India, to
China and Japan, when to my astonishment, the surface of the Mirror
became perfectly blackened, except in some few circular parts, which
were tinged with the colour of blood. "The future is a fearful sight,"
said my Guide; "we are forbidden its contemplation, and can only
behold the gloomy appearances before us: they are ominous ones!"
My mind, on which so many and such various objects had produced a
confused effect, was quite overpowered and distracted. I leaned upon
the arm of the chair, and, covering my face with my hands, became
absorbed in a thousand ideas, when a sudden burst of thunder made me
start from my seat--and, looking forward, I perceived that the MIRROR,
with all its magical illusions had vanished away! My preternatural
Guide then placed himself before me, but in an altered female form. A
hundred various coloured wings sprung from her arms, and her feet
seemed to be shod with sandals of rubies; around which numerous
cherubs entwined themselves. The perfume that arose from the flapping
of her wings was inexpressibly grateful; and the soft silvery voices
of these cherubic attendants had an effect truly enchanting.
No language can adequately describe my sensations on viewing this
extraordinary change of object. I gazed with rapture upon my wonderful
Guide, whose countenance now beamed with benevolence and beauty. "Ah!"
exclaimed I, "this is a vision of happiness never to be realized! Thou
art a being that I am doomed never to meet with in the world below."
"Peace:" whispered an unknown voice; "injure not thy species by such a
remark: the object before thee is called by a name that is familiar to
thee--it is 'CANDOUR.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of
Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."
I was about to make reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and
enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in
my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles
to disengage myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with
difficulty could persuade myself that I was an inhabitant of this
world. My sensations were, at first, confused and unpleasant; but a
reflection on the MIRROR OF TRUTH, and its divine expositor, in a
moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.
* * * * *
Lysander had hardly concluded the recital of his dream--during which
it was impossible for us to think of quaffing coffee or devouring
muffins--when the servant entered with a note from Lorenzo:
"My dear Friend,
"The morning is propitious. Hasten to THE ALCOVE. My sisters are
twining honey-suckles and jessamine round the portico, and I have
carried thither a respectable corps of bibliographical volumes, for
Lysander to consult, in case his memory should fail. All here invoke
the zephyrs to waft their best wishes to you.
"Truly your's,
"LORENZO."
The note was no sooner read than we all, as if by instinct, started
up; and, finishing our breakfast as rapidly as did the Trojans when
they expected an early visit from the Grecians, we sallied towards
Lorenzo's house, and entered his pleasure grounds. Nothing could be
more congenial than every circumstance and object which presented
itself. The day was clear, calm, and warm; while a crisp autumnal air
Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself
Unto our gentle senses.[423]
[Footnote 423: _Macbeth_; Act I., Sc. VI. Dr. Johnson has
happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of
Shakespeare, that "_Gentle sense_ is very elegant; as it
means _placid_, _calm_, _composed_; and intimates the
peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit.
1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed
to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has
given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic,
picture. Thomson's serene morning,
Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,
is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft
and aërial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like
tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful
scenes!--we love to steal a short moment from a bustling
world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been
copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet
fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet
repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the
world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all
this fair Elysium to flight.]
At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load;
and numerous groups of gleaners picking up the grain which they had
spared, were marching homewards in all the glee of apparent happiness.
Immediately on our left, the cattle were grazing in a rich pasture
meadow; while, before us, the white pheasant darted across the walk,
and the stock-dove was heard to wail in the grove. We passed a row of
orange trees, glittering with golden fruit; and, turning sharply to
our right, discovered, on a gentle eminence, and skirted with a
profusion of shrubs and delicately shaped trees, the wished-for
ALCOVE.
We quickly descried Almansa busied in twining her favourite
honey-suckles round the portico; while within Belinda was sitting
soberly at work, as if waiting our arrival. The ladies saluted us as
we approached; and Lorenzo, who till now had been unperceived, came
quietly from the interior, with his favourite edition of
_Thomson_[424] in his hand.
[Footnote 424: This must be a favourite edition with every
man of taste. It was printed by BENSLEY, and published by DU
ROVERAY, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and
the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which
Lorenzo had in his hand was upon _large paper_; and nothing
could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions
of _Pope_, _Gray_, and _Milton_, by DU ROVERAY, as well as
those of _The Spectator_, _Guardian_, _Tatler_, by Messrs.
SHARPE and HAILES, are among the most elegant, as well as
accurate, publications of our old popular writers.]
The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.[425]
The form, though a little capricious, was picturesque; and it stood
so completely embosomed in rich and variegated foliage, and commanded
so fine a swell of landscape, that the visitor must be cold indeed who
could approach it with the compass of Palladio in one hand, and the
square of Inigo Jones in the other. We entered and looked around us.
[Footnote 425: Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been
observed by Lipsius (_Syntag. de Bibliothecis_) and, after
him, by Thomasinus (_de Donar. et Tabell-votiv._ c. 3. p.
37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near
to, or adjoining their _Temples_; "ut veram seram sedem
sacratorum ingenii fætuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:"
BIBLIOTHECAS (inquit) procul abesse (sc. a TEMPLIS)
noluerunt veteres, ut ex præclaris ingeniorum monumentis
dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I
gather from Spizolius's _Infelix Literatus_: p. 462.]
Those who have relished the mild beauties of Wynants' pictures would
be pleased with the view from the Alcove of Lorenzo. The country
before was varied, undulating, and the greater part, highly
cultivated. Some broad-spreading oaks here and there threw their
protecting arms round the humble saplings; and some aspiring elms
frequently reared their lofty heads, as land-marks across the county.
The copses skirted the higher grounds, and a fine park-wood covered
the middle part of the landscape in one broad umbrageous tone of
colouring. It was not the close rusticity of Hobbima--or the
expansive, and sometimes complicated, scenery of Berghem--or the
heat-oppressive and magnificent views of Both--that we contemplated;
but, as has been before observed, the mild and gentle scenery of
Wynants; and if a cascade or dimpling brook had been near us, I could
have called to my aid the transparent pencil of Rysdael, in order to
impress upon the reader a proper notion of the scenery. But it is high
time to make mention of the conversation which ensued among the
tenants of this Alcove.
LOREN. I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious
circumstances. What a glorious day!
ALMAN. Have you recovered, Sir, the immense fatigue you must have
sustained from the exertions of yesterday? My brother has no mercy
upon a thoroughly-versed book guest!
LYSAND. I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and
indigested hung about me, would not the contemplation of such a
landscape, and such a day, restore every thing to its wonted ardour?!
You cannot conceive how such a scene affects me: even to shedding
tears of pleasure--from the reflections to which it gives rise.
BELIN. How strangely and how cruelly has the character of a
bibliographer been aspersed! Last night you convinced me of the ardour
of your enthusiasm, and of the eloquence of your expression, in regard
to your favourite subject of discussion!--but, this morning, I find
that you can talk in an equally impassioned manner respecting garden
and woodland scenery?
LYSAND. Yes, Madam: and if I possessed such a domain as does your
brother, I think I could even improve it a little--especially the
interior of the Alcove! I don't know that I could attach to the house
a more appropriate library than he has done; even if I adopted the
octagonal form of the _Hafod Library_;[426] which, considered with
reference to its local situation, is, I think, almost unequalled:--but
it strikes me that the interior of this Alcove might be somewhat
improved.
[Footnote 426: Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the
residence of THOMAS JOHNES, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant
of the county. Mr. Malkin, in his _Scenery, Antiquities, and
Biography, of South Wales_, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in
his _Tour to Hafod_, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well
acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:--yet can any pen
or pencil do this
--Paradise, open'd in the wild,
perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little
sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country,
which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were
this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods,
copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the
hospitable spirit of the owner--which seems to preside in,
and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The
book-loving world is well acquainted with the _Chronicles of
Froissart_, _Joinville_, _De Brocquiere_, and _Monstrelet_,
which have issued from the HAFOD PRESS; and have long
deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr.
Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of
his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the
latter replenished: yet no Phoenix spirit can revivify the
ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified
by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly
among the Hafod rocks--I hasten, therefore to return and
take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's
largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of
upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for
children [hight _Lac Puerorum_!] used to express it--"Look,
here it is."
[Illustration]]
LOREN. What defects do you discover here, Lysander?
LYSAND. They are rather omissions to be supplied than errors to be
corrected. You have warmed the interior by a Grecian-shaped stove, and
you do right; but I think a few small busts in yonder recesses would
not be out of character. Milton, Shakespeare, and Locke, would
produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of
feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.
LOREN. You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring
gentlemen shall surround me.
BELIN. And pray add to them the busts of Thomson and Cowper: for these
latter, in my opinion, are our best poets in the description of rural
life. You remember what Cowper says--
God made the country, and Man made the town?
ALMAN. This may be very well--but we forget the purpose for which we
are convened.
LIS. True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open--not the
debate--but the discussion.
LYSAND. You wish to know what are the SYMPTOMS OF THE
BIBLIOMANIA?--what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of
the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?
ALMAN. Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was--if I remember
well--whether a _mere collector_ of books was necessarily a
bibliomaniac?
LYSAND. Yes: and to which--if I also recollect rightly--I replied that
the symptoms of the disease, and the character of a bibliomaniac, were
discoverable in the very books themselves!
LIS. How is this?
ALMAN & BELIN. Do pray let us hear.
PHIL. At the outset, I entreat you, Lysander, not to overcharge the
colouring of your picture. Respect the character of your auditors;
and, above all things, have mercy upon the phlogistic imagination of
Lisardo!
LYSAND. I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a
bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Æsculapius, to the utmost of my
power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.
Before we touch upon the _Symptoms_, it may be as well to say a few
words respecting the _General Character_ of the BOOK DISEASE. The
ingenious Peignot[427] defines the bibliomania to be "a passion for
possessing books; not so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify
the eye by looking on them." This subject has amused the pens of
foreigners; although we have had nothing in our own language, written
expressly upon it, 'till the ingenious and elegantly-composed poem of
Dr. Ferriar appeared; after which, as you well know, our friend put
forth his whimsical brochure.[428]
[Footnote 427: "LA BIRLIOMANIE [Transcriber's Note:
BIBLIOMANIE] est la fureur de posséder des livres, non pas
tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en
repaître sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les
livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date;
il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit à quelque
titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son
ancienneté, soit par sa beauté," &c. _Dictionnaire de
Bibliologie_. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe:
see also the extracts from the _Memoires de l'Institut_: p.
25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled
to call the BIBLIOMANIA by every caustic and merciless
terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola
est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem
curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait
Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue:
nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos
singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur:
sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hâc animi
voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et
liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia,
operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda
distractio: imo est hæc ingens librorum copia ingens simul
et laboris copia, et quietis inopia--huc illucque circum
agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda
memoria."--_Navicula sive Sæculum Fatuorum_, 1511, 4to. sign
B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject,
through the medium of our old translation:
Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge
For to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thynge
In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde;
But what they mene do I nat understonde.
_Shyp of Folys_: see p. 206, ante.
There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this
head in Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_: vol. i.
10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such
a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says
he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the
stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco
leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves,
Etruscan bindings, &c.--naming them one after another, as if
he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed
a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast
library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an
old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admires
_the date_ of its publication." But all this, it may be
said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!]
[Footnote 428: The first work, I believe, written expressly
upon the subject above discussed was a French publication,
entitled _La Bibliomanie_. Of the earliest edition I am
uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo.
Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to
Richard Heber, Esq.--and which is rightly called by Lysander
'ingenious and elegant'--was published in 1809, 4to.: pp.
14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more
interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared
in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv.,
p. 45-87--entitled _Comments upon Sterne_; which may be
fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal
composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read
in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of
Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute at p. 286,
ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the
Bibliomania, appeared the _Voyage autour de ma bibliothèque
Roman Bibliographique_: by Ant. Caillot; in three small
duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less
knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work,
entitled, _Bibliomania_, or _Book-Madness: containing some
account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal
Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq._,
quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82
pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it
had many errors and omissions, which it has been my
endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition,
or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the
ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appeared _Bibliosophia, or
Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure,
and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting.
By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor,
separately pitted against those of Hercules_, 12mo. This is
a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a
sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing
pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it.
And thus take we leave of PUBLICATIONS UPON THE
BIBLIOMANIA!]
Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to
determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you
will be better able to judge of its propriety.
LIS. Describe them _seriatim_, as we were observing yesterday.
LYSAND. I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them
according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for _Large
Paper Copies_; secondly, for _Uncut Copies_; thirdly, for _Illustrated
Copies_; fourthly, for _Unique Copies_; fifthly, for _Copies printed
upon Vellum_; sixthly, for _First Editions_; seventhly, for _True
Editions_; and eighthly, for _Books printed in the Black-Letter_.
BELIN. I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall
proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First,
therefore, what is meant by LARGE PAPER COPIES?
LYSAND. A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon
paper of a _larger dimension, and superior quality_, than the ordinary
copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in
these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their
beauty and rarity.
_This Symptom_ of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general
and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of
whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a
due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down
beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.
BELIN. Can these things be?
PHIL. Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the
GROLLIERS, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of
collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and
knowledge.
LIS. We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is GROLLIER?[429]
[Footnote 429: The reader may be better pleased with the
ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with
Philemon's rapturous eulogy. JOHN GROLLIER was born at
Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity
towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards
secured to him the admiration and esteem of his
contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were
frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his
liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he
advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the
result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable
discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he
filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent
by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During
his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite
passion of BOOK-COLLECTING; and employed the Alduses to
print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which
a copy _upon vellum_, was in the Imperial library at Vienna;
See _L'Imp. des Alde_; vol. I., 159. He also caused to be
published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend
Budæus's work, _De Asse et partibus ejus_, 1522, 4to.;
which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and
of which the presentation copy, _upon vellum_, is now in the
Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been
formerly in the Soubise collection: vide p. 96, ante--and
no. 8010 of the _Bibl. Soubise_. It was during Grollier's
stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took
place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son,
Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After
dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the
table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of
gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion
of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more
grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author
speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and
spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the
counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not
being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of
Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at
Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of
presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents
which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of
his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of
Paris, whose chief boast consists in having an _Exemplar
Grollerianum_!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with
an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from
Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books
which could be purchased: and which he took care to have
bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his
generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in
gilt letters upon one side, and the words--of which the
annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile--upon the other; surrounded
with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides,
whether in folio or duodecimo.
[Illustration:
PORTIO MEA DO
MINE SIT IN
TERRA VI
VENTI
VM.
Beneath the title of the book: 'IO: GROLLERII et AMICORUM.']
This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first
Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the
year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this
account of him with an extract from Marville's _Melanges
d'Histoire et de Litérature_; "La Bibliothèque de M.
Grollier s'est conservée dans l'Hôtel de Vic jusqu'à ces
annêes dernieres qu'elle a été venduë à l'encan. Elle
meritoit bien, étant une des premieres et des plus
accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avisé de faire à
Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur
qui en conservât le lustre. La plûpart des curieux de Paris
ont profité de ses débris. J'en ai eu à ma part quelques
volumes à qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonté des editions
de ce tems là, ni pour la beauté du papier et la propreté de
la relieure. Il semble, à les voir, que les Muses qui ont
contribué à la composition du dedans, se soient aussi
appliquées à les approprier au dehors, tant il paroît d'art
et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec
une delicatesse inconnuë aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les
compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente
bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.
I., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which
the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an
account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of
mind unless he possess a _Grollier copy_ of some work or
other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was
taken, is a folio edition (1531) of _Rhenanus, de rebus
Germanicis_; in the finest preservation.]
PHIL. Lysander will best observe upon him.
LYSAND. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.
PHIL. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the
First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine
family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His
notions of _Virtû_ were vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence
about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was
without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecænas of book-lovers and
scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never,
perhaps, possessed by any of _his_ class of character.
LIS. I thank you for this _Grollieriana_. Proceed, Lysander with your
large paper copies.
ALMAN. But first tell us--why are these copies so much coveted? Do
they contain more than the ordinary ones?
LYSAND. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment
is thrown into the volume--but this, again, belongs to the fourth
class of symptoms, called _Unique Copies_--and I must keep strictly to
order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.
BELIN. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]
[Footnote 430: Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth
numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:
But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse,
The keen collector meaner paths will choose:
And first the MARGIN'S BREADTH his soul employs,
Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.
In vain might Homer roll the tide of song,
Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng;
If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade
Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade,
The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye,
'NO MARGIN!'--turns in haste, and scorns to buy.
_The Bibliomania_; v. 34-43.
Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'
FIRST MAXIM.
Who slaves the monkish folio through,
With lore or science in his view,
_Him_ ... visions black, or devils blue,
Shall haunt at his expiring taper;--
Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise,
To chuse the volume by the size,
And riot in the pond'rous prize--
Dear Copies--_printed on_ LARGE PAPER!
_Bibliosophia_; p. IV.
After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing,
in a sober note-like strain--upon those large and
magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours
forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes--gentle reader--I
will even venture!--and will lay a silver penny to boot (See
Peacham's '_Worth of a Penny_'--) that neither Dr. Ferriar
nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of
rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk
majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a
few scarce
WORKS PRINTED UPON LARGE PAPER.
_Lord Bacon's Essays_; 1798, 8vo. There were only six copies
of this edition struck off upon royal folio paper: one copy
is in the Cracherode collection, in the British Museum; and
another is in the library of Earl Spencer. Mr. Leigh, the
book-auctioneer, a long time ago observed that, if ever one
of these copies were to be sold at an auction, it would
probably bring -00_l._--! I will not insert the _first_
figure; but _two noughts_ followed it.----_Twenty Plays of
Shakspeare from the old quarto editions_; 1766, 8vo., 6
vols. Only twelve copies printed upon large paper. See
_Bibl. Steevens_: no. 1312; and p. 581,
ante.----_Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays_; 1780, 8vo., 12
vols. Only six copies struck off upon large paper. Bibl.
Woodhouse, no. 698.----_The Grenville Homer_; 1800, 4to.,
4 vols. Fifty copies of this magnificent work are said to
have been printed upon large paper; which have
embellishments of plates. Mr. Dent possesses the copy which
was Professor Porson's, and which was bought at the sale of
the Professor's library, in boards, for 87_l._, see p. 459,
ante. Seven years ago I saw a sumptuous copy in morocco,
knocked down for 99_l._ 15_s._----_Mathæi Paris, Monachi
Albanenses, &c.; Historia Major; a Wats_; Lond. 1640; folio.
This is a rare and magnificent work upon large paper; and is
usually bound in two volumes.----_Historiæ Anglicanæ
Scriptores X; a Twysden_; 1652, folio. Of equal rarity and
magnificence are copies of this inestimable
production.----_Rerum Anglicarum Scriptores Veteres, a
Gale_; 1684, 91; folio, 3 volumes. There were but few copies
of this, now generally coveted, work printed upon large
paper. The difference between the small and the large, for
amplitude of margin and lustre of ink, is
inconceivable.----_Historiæ Anglicanæ Scriptores Varii, a
Sparke_; Lond. 1723, folio. The preface to this work shews
that there are copies of it, like those of Dr. Clarke's
edition of Cæsar's Commentaries, upon paper of three
different sizes. The 'charta maxima' is worthy of a
conspicuous place upon the collector's shelf; though in any
shape the book has a creditable aspect.----_Recueil des
Historiens des Gaules, &c., par Boucquet_; 1738, 1786;
folio, 13 vols. It is hardly possible for the eye to gaze
upon a more intrinsically valuable work, or a finer set of
volumes, than are these, as now exhibited in Mr. Evans's
shop, and bound in fine old red morocco by the best binders
of France. They were once in my possession; but the 'res
angusta domi' compelled me to part with them, and to seek
for a copy not so tall by head and shoulders. Since the year
1786, two additional volumes have been published.
We will now discourse somewhat of English books.
_Scott's Discoverie of Whitcraft_; 1584, 4to. Of this work,
which has recently become popular from Mr. Douce's frequent
mention of it (Illustrations of Shakspeare, &c., 1806, 2
vols., 8vo.), my friend, Mr. Utterson, possesses a very
beautiful copy upon large paper. It is rarely one meets with
books printed in this country, before the year 1600, struck
off in such a manner. This copy, which is secured from
'winter and rough weather' by a stout coat of
skilfully-tool'd morocco, is probably unique.----_Weever's
Funeral Monuments_; 1631, folio. Mr. Samuel Lysons informs
me that he has a copy of this work upon large paper. I never
saw, or heard of, another similar one.----_Sanford's
Genealogical History_; 1707, folio. At the sale of Baron
Smyth's books, in 1809, Messrs. J. and A. Arch purchased a
copy of this work upon large paper for 46_l._ A monstrous
price! A similar copy is in the library of Mr. Grenville,
which was obtained from Mr. Evans of Pall-Mall. The curious
should purchase the anterior edition (of 1677) for the sake
of better impressions of the plates; which, however, in any
condition, are neither tasteful nor well engraved. What is
called '_a good Hollar_' would weigh down the whole set of
them!----_Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials_; 1721, _Folio_,
3 vols.----_Annals of the Reformation_; 1725, _Folio_, 4
vols. Happy the collector who can regale himself by viewing
large paper copies of these inestimable works! In any shape
or condition, they are now rare. The latter is the scarcer
of the two; and upon large paper brings, what the French
bibliographers call, 'un prix enorme.' There is one of this
kind in the beautiful library of Mr. Thomas
Grenville.----_Hearne's Works_--'till Mr. Bagster issued his
first reprints of Robert of Gloucester and Peter Langtoft,
upon paper of three different sizes--(of which the largest,
in quarto, has hardly been equalled in modern
printing)--used to bring extravagant sums at book-auctions.
At a late sale in Pall-Mall, were [Transcriber's Note:
where] the books in general were sold at extraordinary
prices, the large paper Hearnes absolutely 'hung fire'--as
the sportsman's phrase is.----_Hudibras, with Dr. Grey's
Annotations, and Hogarth's cuts_; 1744, 2 vols. There were
but twelve copies of this first and best edition of Dr.
Grey's labours upon Hudibras (which Warburton strangely
abuses--) printed upon large paper: and a noble book it is
in this form!----_Milner's History of Winchester_; 1798,
4to., 2 vols. Of this edition there were, I believe, either
twelve or twenty-four copies printed upon large paper; which
brings serious sums in the present general rage for books of
this description.----_Kennet's (Bp.) Parochial Antiquities;
Oxford_, 1695, 4to. The only known copy of this work upon
large paper is in the fine library of Sir Richard Colt
Hoare, Bart. This copy was probably in the collection of
'that well-known collector, Joseph Browne, Esq., of Shepton
Mallet, Somersetshire:' as a similar one 'in Russia, gilt
leaves,' was sold in Pt. II. of his collection, no. 279,
for 7_l._ 17_s._ 6_d._ and purchased in the name of
Thornton.----_The Chronicles of Froissart and Monstrelet_:
translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq. Hafod, 1803, 1810, quarto,
9 vols.: including a volume of plates to Monstrelet. Of
these beautiful and intrinsically valuable works, there were
only 25 copies struck off upon folio; which bring tremendous
prices.----_History of the Town of Cheltenham, and its
Environs_; 1802, 8vo. There were a few copies of this
superficial work printed upon large paper in royal octavo,
and a _unique_ copy upon paper of a quarto size; which
latter is in the possession of my friend Mr. Thomas Pruen,
of the same place. A part of this volume was written by
myself; according to instructions which I received to make
it 'light and pleasant.' An author, like a barrister, is
bound in most cases to follow his instructions! As I have
thus awkwardly introduced myself, I may be permitted to
observe, at the foot of this note, that all the LARGE PAPER
copies of my own humble lucubrations have been attended with
an unexpectedly successful sale. Of the _Introduction to the
Classics_, edit. 1804, 8vo., there were fifty copies, with
extra plates, struck off in royal octavo, and published at
2_l._ 2_s._: these now sell for 5_l._ 5_s._: the portrait of
_Bishop Fell_ making them snapped at, with a perch-like
spirit, by all true Grangerites. Of the _Typographical
Antiquities_ of our own country there were 66 printed in a
superb style, upon imperial paper, in 4to.; these were
published at 6_l._ 6_s._ a copy. The following anecdote
shews how they are 'looking up'--as the book-market phrase
is. My friend ---- parted with his copy; but finding that his
slumbers were broken, and his dreams frightful, in
consequence, he sought to regain possession of it; and
cheerfully gave 10_l._ 10_s._! for what, but a few months
before, he had possessed for little more than one half the
sum! The same friend subscribes for a _large paper_ of the
_present work_, of which there are only eighteen copies
printed: and of which my hard-hearted printer and myself
seize each upon a copy. Will the same friend display equal
fickleness in regard to THIS volume? If he does, he must
smart acutely for it: nor will 15_l._ 15_s._ redeem it! It
is justly observed, in the first edition of this work, that,
'analogous to large paper, are TALL copies: that is, copies
of the work published on the ordinary size paper, and barely
cut down by the binder,' p. 45. To _dwarfise_ a volume is a
'grievous fault' on the part of any binder; but more
particularly is it an unpardonable one on the part of him
who has had a long intercourse with professed bibliomaniacs!
To a person who knows anything of typographical arrangement,
the distinction between _tall_ and _large paper_ copies is
sufficiently obvious. For this reason, I am quite decided
that the supposed large paper copy of _Scapula's Lexicon_,
possessed by Mr. ----, of Caversham, near Reading, is only a
_tall_ copy of the work, as usually printed: nor is this
copy more stately than another which I have seen. The owner
of the volume will suppress all feelings which he may
entertain against my heretical opinions (as I fear he will
call them), when he considers that he may dispose of his
Scapula for a sum three times beyond what he gave for it.
Let him put it by the side of his neighbour Dr. Valpy's
numerous large paper copies of the old folio classics, and
he will in a moment be convinced of the accuracy of the
foregoing remark. FINE PAPER copies of a work should be here
noticed; as they are sought after with avidity. The most
beautiful work of this kind which I ever saw, was _Rapin's
History of England, in nine folio volumes, bound in red
morocco, and illustrated with Houbraken's_ Heads; which Sir
M.M. Sykes recently purchased of Mr. Evans, the
bookseller,--for a comparatively moderate sum. A similar
copy (exclusively of the illustrations) of Rapin's History
of England, which was once in the library of the Royal
Institution, was burnt in the fire that destroyed
Covent-Garden Theatre; it having been sent to Mr. Mackinlay,
the book-binder, who lived near the Theatre.]
LYSAND. I have little to add to what has been already said of this
symptom. That a volume, so published, has a more pleasing aspect,
cannot be denied. It is the oak, in its full growth, compared with
the same tree in its sapling state: or, if you please, it is the same
picture a little more brilliant in its colouring, and put into a
handsomer frame. My friend MARCUS is a very dragon in this department
of book-collecting: nothing being too formidable for his attack. Let
the volume assume what shape it may, and let the price be ever so
unconscionable--he hesitates not to become a purchaser. In
consequence, exclusively of all the _Dugdales_ and _Montfaucons_, upon
large paper, and in the finest bindings, he possesses the _Grand Folio
Classics_, the _Benedictine Editions of the Fathers_, the _County
Histories_, and all works, of a recent date, upon _History_ and the
_Belles Lettres_. In short, nothing can be more magnificent than the
interior of his library; as nothing but giants, arrayed in the most
splendid attire, are seen to keep guard from one extremity of the room
to the other.
LIS. Who is this Marcus? I'll rival him in due time!--But proceed.
BELIN. Thus much, I presume, for the first symptom of the Bibliomania.
Now pray, Sir, inform us what is meant by that strange term, UNCUT
COPIES?
LYSAND. Of all the symptoms of the Bibliomania, this is probably the
most extraordinary.[431] It may be defined a passion to possess books
of which the edges have never been sheared by the binder's tools. And
here I find myself walking upon doubtful ground:--your friend [turning
towards me] Atticus's _uncut Hearnes_ rise up in "rough majesty"
before me, and almost "push me from my stool." Indeed, when I look
around in your book-lined tub, I cannot but acknowledge that this
symptom of the disorder has reached your own threshold; but when it is
known that a few of your bibliographical books are left with the edges
uncut _merely to please your friends_ (as one must sometimes study
their tastes as well as one's own), I trust that no very serious
conclusions will be drawn about the fatality of your own case.
[Footnote 431: As before, let us borrow the strains of 'An
Aspirant:'
SECOND MAXIM.
Who, with fantastic pruning-hook,
Dresses the borders of his book,
Merely to ornament its look--
Amongst philosophers a fop is:
What if, perchance, he thence discover
Facilities in turning over?
The Virtuoso is a Lover
Of coyer charms in "UNCUT COPIES."
_Bibliosophia_; p. v.
I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander's
well-pointed sarcasms relating to this _second symptom of_
BOOK-MADNESS. I think I once heard of an uncut _Cranmer's
Bible_; but have actually seen a similar conditioned copy of
_Purchas's Pilgrimes and Pilgrimage_, which is now in the
beautiful library of the Honourable T. Grenville.]
As to uncut copies, although their inconvenience [an uncut Lexicon to
wit!] and deformity must be acknowledged, and although a rational man
can wish for nothing better than a book _once well bound_, yet we find
that the extraordinary passion for collecting them not only obtains
with full force, but is attended with very serious consequences to
those "que n'out point des pistoles" (to borrow the idea of Clement;
vol. vi. p. 36). I dare say an uncut _first Shakspeare_, as well as an
_uncut vellum Aldus_[432] would produce a little annuity!
[Footnote 432: I doubt of the existence of an uncut _first
Shakspeare_; although we have recently had evidence of an
uncut _first Homer_; for thus speaks Peignot: "A superb copy
of this Editio Princeps was sold at the sale of M. de
Cotte's books, in 1804, for 3601 livres: but it must be
remarked that this copy was in the most exquisite
preservation, as if it had just come from the press.
Moreover, it is probably the only one the margins of which
have never been either 'shaven or shorn.'" _Curiosités
Bibliographiques_, p. lxv. vi.; see also p. 79, ante. Dr.
Harwood, at page 338, of his _View of the Editions of the
Classics_, speaks of an uncut vellum Aldus, of 1504, 8vo.
"Mr. Quin shewed me a fine copy of it printed in vellum with
the _leaves uncut_, which he bought of Mr. Egerton at a very
moderate price. It is, perhaps (adds he), the only _uncut_
vellum Aldus in the world." From the joyous strain of this
extract, the Doctor may be fairly suspected of having
strongly exhibited this second symptom of the Bibliomania!]
BELIN. 'Tis very strange'--as Hamlet says at the walking of his
father's ghost! But now for your ILLUSTRATED COPIES!
LYSAND. You have touched a vibrating string indeed!--but I will
suppress my own feelings, and spare those of my friend. A passion for
books _illustrated_, or adorned with _numerous Prints_[433]
representing characters, or circumstances, mentioned in the work, is a
very general and violent symptom of the Bibliomania. The origin, or
first appearance, of this symptom, has been traced by some to the
publication of the Rev. ---- GRANGER'S "_Biographical History of
England_;" but whoever will be at the pains of reading the preface of
that work will see that Granger shelters himself under the authorities
of EVELYN, ASHMOLE, and others; and that he _alone_ is not to be
considered as responsible for all the mischief which this passion for
collecting prints has occasioned. Granger, however, was the first who
introduced it in the form of a history; and surely "in an evil hour"
was that history published; although its amiable author must be
acquitted of "malice prepense."
[Footnote 433: This third symptom has not escaped the
discerning eye of the Manchester physician; for thus sings
Dr. Ferriar:
He pastes, from injur'd volumes snipt away,
His _English Heads_ in chronicled array,
Torn from their destin'd page (unworthy meed
Of Knightly counsel, and heroic deed),
Not _Faithorne's_ stroke, nor _Field's_ own types can save
The gallant Veres, and one-eyed Ogle brave.
Indignant readers seek the image fled,
And curse the busy fool who _wants a head_.
Proudly he shews, with many a smile elate,
The scrambling subjects of the _private plate_
While Time their actions and their names bereaves,
They grin for ever in the guarded leaves.
_The Bibliomania_; v. 119-130.
These are happy thoughts, happily expressed. In illustration
of v. 123, the author observes,--"three fine heads, for the
sake of which, the beautiful and interesting commentaries of
Sir Francis Vere have been mutilated by collectors of
English portraits." Dr. Ferriar might have added that, when
a Grangerian bibliomaniac commences his ILLUSTRATING CAREER,
he does not fail to make a desperate onset upon _Speed_,
_Boissard_, and the _Heroologia_. Even the lovely prints of
_Houbraken_ (in Dr. Birch's account of Illustrious Persons
of Great Britain) escape not the ravages of his passion for
illustration. The plates which adorn these books are
considered among the foundation materials of a Grangerian
building. But it is time, according to my plan, to introduce
other sarcastic strains of poetry.
THIRD MAXIM.
Who, swearing not a line to miss,
Doats on the leaf his fingers kiss,
Thanking the _words_ for all his bliss,--
Shall rue, at last, his passion frustrate:
_We_ love the page that draws its flavour
From Draftsman, Etcher, and Engraver
And hint the booby (by his favour)
_His_ gloomy copy to "ILLUSTRATE."
_Bibliosophia_; p. v.
At this stage of our inquiries, let me submit a new remedy
as an acquisition to the _Materia Medica_, of which many
first-rate physicians may not be aware--by proposing a
=Recipe for Illustration.=
Take any passage from any author--to wit: the following
(which I have done, quite at random) from SPEED: '_Henry le
Spenser_, the warlike _Bishop of Norwich_, being drawn on by
_Pope Vrban_ to preach _the Crusade_, and to be General
against _Clement_ (whom sundry _Cardinals_ and great
_Prelates_ had also elected Pope) having a fifteenth granted
to him, for that purpose, by _parliament_,' &c. _Historie of
Great Britaine_, p. 721, edit. 1632. Now, let the reader
observe, here are _only four_ lines; but which, to be
PROPERLY ILLUSTRATED, should be treated thus: 1st, procure
all the portraits, at all periods of his life, of _Henry le
Spencer_; 2dly, obtain every view, ancient and modern, like
or unlike, of the city of _Norwich_; and, if fortune favour
you, of _every Bishop of the same see_; 3dly, every portrait
of _Pope Vrban_ must be procured; and as many prints and
drawings as can give some notion of _the Crusade_--together
with a few etchings (if there be any) of _Peter the Hermit_
and _Richard I._, who took such active parts in the Crusade;
4thly, you must search high and low, early and late, for
every print of _Clement_; 5thly, procure, or you will be
wretched, as many fine prints of _Cardinals_ and _Prelates_,
singly or in groups, as will impress you with a proper idea
of _the Conclave_; and 6thly, see whether you may not
obtain, at some of our most distinguished old-print sellers,
views of the _house of Parliament_ at the period (A.D.
1383.) here described!!! The result, gentle reader, will be
this: you will have work enough cut out to occupy you for
one whole month at least, from rise to set of sun--in
parading the streets of our metropolis: nor will the expense
in _coach_ hire, or _shoe leather_, be the least which you
will have to encounter! The prints themselves may cost
_some_thing! Lest any fastidious and cynical critic should
accuse me, and with apparent justice, of gross exaggeration
or ignorance in this _recipe_, I will inform him, on good
authority, that a late distinguished and highly respectable
female collector, who had commenced an ILLUSTRATED BIBLE,
procured not fewer than _seven hundred prints_ for the
illustration of the 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th
verses of the 1st chapter of Genesis! The illustrated copy
of Mr. Fox's Historical work, mentioned in the first edition
of this work, p. 63, is now in the possession of Lord
Mountjoy. The similar copy of Walter Scott's edition of
Dryden's works, which has upwards of 650 portraits, is yet
in the possession of Mr. Miller, the bookseller.]
Granger's work seems to have sounded the tocsin for a general rummage
after, and plunder of, old prints. Venerable philosophers, and veteran
heroes, who had long reposed in unmolested dignity within the
magnificent folio volumes which recorded their achievements, were
instantly dragged forth from their peaceful abodes, to be inlaid by
the side of some clumsy modern engraving, within an _Illustrated
Granger_!
Nor did the madness stop here. Illustration was the order of the day;
and _Shakspeare_[434] and _Clarendon_ became the next objects of its
attack. From these it has glanced off, in a variety of directions, to
adorn the pages of humbler wights; and the passion, or rather this
symptom of the Bibliomania, yet rages with undiminished force. If
judiciously treated, it is, of all the symptoms, the least liable to
mischief. To possess a series of well-executed portraits of
illustrious men, at different periods of their lives, from blooming
boyhood to phlegmatic old age, is sufficiently amusing; but to possess
_every_ portrait, _bad_, _indifferent_, and _unlike_, betrays such a
dangerous and alarming symptom as to render the case almost incurable!
[Footnote 434: Lysander would not have run on in this
declamatory strain, if it had been _his_ good fortune, as it
has been _mine_, to witness the extraordinary copy of an
ILLUSTRATED SHAKSPEARE in the possession of Earl Spencer;
which owes its magic to the perseverance and taste of the
Dowager Lady Lucan, mother to the present Countess Spencer.
For sixteen years did this accomplished Lady pursue the
pleasurable toil of illustration; having commenced it in her
50th, and finished it in her 66th year. Whatever of taste,
beauty, and judgment in decoration--by means of portraits,
landscapes, houses, and tombs--flowers, birds, insects,
heraldic ornaments, and devices,--could dress our immortal
bard in a yet more fascinating form, has been accomplished
by the noble hand which undertook so Herculean a task--and
with a truth, delicacy, and finish of execution, which have
been rarely equalled! These magnificent volumes (being the
folio edition printed by Bulmer) are at once beautiful and
secured by green velvet binding, with embossed clasps and
corners of solid silver, washed with gold. Each volume is
preserved in a silken cover--and the whole is kept inviolate
from the impurities of bibliomaniacal miasmata, in a
sarcophagus-shaped piece of furniture of cedar and mahogany.
What is the pleasure experienced by the most resolute
antiquary, when he has obtained a peep at the inmost
sarcophagus of the largest pyramid of Egypt, compared with
that which a tasteful bibliomaniac enjoys upon contemplating
this illustrated Shakespeare, now reposing in all the
classical magnificence and congenial retirement of its
possessor?--But why do I surpass Lysander in the warmth and
vehemence of narration! And yet, let me not forget that the
same noble owner has _another_ illustrated copy of the SAME
BARD, on a smaller scale, of which mention has already been
made in my account of the donor of it, the late George
Steevens. Turn, gentle reader, for one moment, to page 428,
ante. The illustrated CLARENDON, above hinted at by
Lysander, is in the possession of Mr. H.A. Sutherland; and
is, perhaps, a matchless copy of the author: every siege,
battle, town, and house-view--as well as portrait--being
introduced within the leaves. I will not even hazard a
conjecture for how many _thousand pounds_ its owner might
dispose of it, if the inclination of parting with it should
ever possess him. The British Museum has recently been
enriched with a similar copy of PENNANT'S _London_, on large
paper. Prints and drawings of all descriptions, which could
throw light upon the antiquities of our metropolis, are
inserted in this extraordinary copy, which belonged to the
late Mr. Crowles; who expended 2000_l._ upon the same, and
who bequeathed it, in the true spirit of _virtû_, to the
Museum. Let CRACHERODE and CROWLES be held in respectful
remembrance!]
There is another mode of _illustrating copies_ by which this symptom
of the Bibliomania may be known; it consists in bringing together,
from different works, [including newspapers and magazines, and by
means of the scissars, or otherwise by transcription] every page or
paragraph which has any connexion with the character or subject under
discussion. This is a useful[435] and entertaining mode of
illustrating a favourite author; and copies of works of this nature,
when executed by skilful hands, should be deposited in public
libraries; as many a biographical anecdote of eminent literary
characters is preserved in consequence. I almost ridiculed the idea of
an _Illustrated Chatterton_, 'till the sight of your friend BERNARDO'S
copy, in eighteen volumes, made me a convert to the utility that may
be derived from a judicious treatment of this symptom of the
Bibliomania: and indeed, of a rainy day, the same bibliomaniac's
similar copy of _Walton's Complete Angler_ affords abundant amusement
in the perusal.
[Footnote 435: Numerous are the instances of the peculiar
use and value of copies of this kind; especially to those
who are engaged in publications of a similar nature. OLDYS'S
_interleaved Langbaine_ (of Mr. Reed's transcript of which a
copy is in the possession of Mr. Heber) is re-echoed in
almost every recent work connected with the belles-lettres
of our country. Oldys himself was unrivalled in this method
of illustration; if, exclusively of Langbaine, his copy of
_Fuller's Worthies_ [once Mr. Steevens', now Mr. Malone's.
See _Bibl. Steevens_, no. 1799] be alone considered! This
Oldys was the oddest mortal that ever wrote. Grose, in his
_Olio_, gives an amusing account of his having "a number of
small parchment bags inscribed with the names of the persons
whose lives he intended to write; into which he put every
circumstance and anecdote he could collect, and from thence
drew up his history." See Noble's _College of Arms_, p. 420.
Thus far the first edition of this work; p. 64. It remains
to add that, whatever were the singularities and
capriciousness of Oldys, his talents were far beyond
mediocrity; as his publication of the _Harleian Miscellany_,
and _Raleigh's History of the World_, abundantly prove. To
the latter, a life of Raleigh is prefixed; and the number of
pithy, pleasant, and profitable notes subjoined shew that
Oldys's bibliographical talents were not eclipsed by those
of any contemporary. His _British Librarian_ has been more
than once noticed in the preceding pages: vide p. 51: 468.
There is a portrait of him, in a full-dressed suit and
bag-wig, in one of the numbers of the European Magazine;
which has the complete air of a fine gentleman. Let me just
observe, in elucidation of what Lysander above means by this
latter mode of illustrating copies, that in the Bodleian
library there is a copy of _Kuster's edition of Suidas_
filled, from beginning to end, with MS. notes and excerpts
of various kinds, by the famous D'Orville, tending to
illustrate the ancient lexicographer.]
LIS. Forgive me, if I digress a little. But is not the knowledge of
_rare_, _curious_, and _beautiful Prints_--so necessary, it would
seem, towards the perfecting of _illustrated copies_--is not this
knowledge of long and difficult attainment?
LYSAND. Unquestionably, this knowledge is very requisite towards
becoming a complete pupil in the SCHOOL OF GRANGER.[436] Nor is it, as
you very properly suppose, of short or easy acquirement.
[Footnote 436: GRANGER'S _Biographical History of England_
was first published, I believe, in 1769, 4to., 2 vols. It
has since undergone four impressions; the last being in
1804, 8vo., 4 vols. _A Continuation of the same_, by the
Rev. MARK NOBLE, was published in 1807, 8vo., 3 vols.: so
that if the lover of rare and curious prints get possession
of these volumes, with AMES'S _Catalogue of English Heads_,
1748, 8vo.; and WALPOLE'S _Catalogue of Engravers_, 1775,
8vo.; BROMLEY'S _Catalogue of Engraved Portraits_, 1793,
4to.; together with Catalogues of English Portraits, being
the collections of Mr. BARNARD, Sir W. MUSGRAVE, Mr. TYSSEN,
Sir JAMES-WINTER LAKE; and many other similar catalogues put
forth by Mr. RICHARDSON and Mr. GRAVE; he may be said to be
in a fair way to become master of the whole arcana of
PRINT-COLLECTING. But let him take heed to the severe
warning-voice uttered by ROWE MORES, in his criticism upon
the Catalogue of English Heads, published by Ames: 'This
performance (says the splenetic and too prophetic critic) is
not to be despised: judiciously executed, a work of this
sort would be an appendage entertaining and useful to the
readers of English biography; and it ought to be done at the
common labour, expense, and charges of these
_Iconoclasts_--because their depredations are a grand
impediment to another who should attempt it: and if this
_goût_ for prints and thieving continues, let private owners
and public libraries look well to their books, for there
will not remain a valuable book ungarbled by their
connoisseuring villany: for neither honesty nor oaths
restrain them. Yet these _fanciers_, if prints themselves
are to be collected, instead of being injurious to every
body, might make themselves serviceable to posterity, and
become a kind of _medalists_ (who, by the bye, are almost as
great thieves as themselves, though the hurt they do is not
so extensive, as it lies chiefly among themselves, who all
hold this doctrine, that "exchange is no robbery;" but, if
they could filch without exchanging, no scruple of
conscience would prevent them): we say they might render
themselves useful to posterity, by gathering together the
historical, political, satyrical, anecdotal and temporal
pieces, with which the age abounds; adding an explanation of
the intent and meaning for the instruction and amusement of
times to come. The misfortune is, they must buy the one, but
they can steal the other; and steal they will, although
watched with the eyes of Argus: unless the valuables, like
some other _jocalia_, are shewn to them through a grate; and
even _then_, the keeper must be vigilant!' _Of English
Founders and Foundries_; p. 85. This extract is curious on
account of the tart, but just, sentiments which prevail in
it; but, to the bibliomaniac, it is doubly curious, when he
is informed that _only eighty copies_ of this Typographical
Treatise (of 100 pages--including the Appendix) were
printed. The author was a testy, but sagacious,
bibliomaniac, and should have been introduced among his
brethren in PART V. It is not, however, too late to subjoin
the following: _Bibliotheca Moresiana. A Catalogue of the
Large and Valuable Library of Printed Books, rare old
tracts, Manuscripts, Prints, and Drawings, Copper Plates,
sundry Antiquities, Philosophical Instruments, and other
Curiosities, of that eminent British Antiquary_, the late
Rev. and learned EDWARD ROWE MORES, F.A.S., deceased, &c.
Sold by auction by Mr. Patterson, August 1779. This
collection exhibited, like its owner, a strange mixture of
what was curious, whimsical, and ingenious in human nature.
There were 2838 lots of printed books. _The rare old
black-letter books and tracts_, begin at p. 52.]
ALMAN. How so? A very little care, with a tolerably good taste, is
only required to know when a print is _well engraved_.
LYSAND. Alas, Madam! the excellence of engraving is oftentimes but a
_secondary_ consideration!
BELIN. Do pray explain.
LYSAND. I will, and as briefly and perspicuously as possible.
There are, first, _all the varieties of the same print_[437] to be
considered!--whether it have the _name of the character_, or _artist_,
omitted or subjoined: whether the head of the print be without the
body, or the body without the head--and whether this latter be
finished, or in the outline, or ghostly white! Then you must go to
_the dress_ of this supposed portrait:--whether full or plain; court
or country-fashioned: whether it have a hat, or no hat; feather, or no
feather; gloves, or no gloves; sword, or no sword; and many other such
momentous points.
[Footnote 437: The reader, by means of the preceding note,
having been put in possession of some of the principal works
from which information, relating to PRINT-COLLECTING may be
successfully gleaned, it remains for me--who have been
described as sitting in a corner to compile notes for
Lysander's text-discourse--to add something by way of
illustration to the above sweeping satire. One or the other
of the points touched upon in the text will be found here
more particularly elucidated.
CATALOGUE OF BARNARD'S PRINTS; 1798, 8vo.
7th Day's Sale.
NO. 47. Sir Thos. Isham de Lamport, by Loggan and Valck;
_before the names of the artists, very fine_. £5 5_s._ 0_d._
68. King Charles I. on horseback, with the page, by Lombard;
_very fine and scarce_. 1 14 0
69. The same plate; _with Cromwell's head substituted for
the King's--variation in the drapery_. 3 6 0
70. The same: a curious proof--_the face blank and no
inscription at bottom--drapery of the page different_--and
other variations. 1 2 0
90. Catharine, queen of K. Charles II.; _in the dress in
which she arrived: very scarce_. By Faithorne. 4 16 0
97. Queen Elizabeth; habited in the superb court dress in
which she went to St. Paul's to return thanks for the defeat
of the Spanish Armada--by Passe; from a painting of Isaac
Oliver. 6 12 6
[I have known from 14_l._ to 20_l._ given for a fine
impression of this curious print: but I am as well pleased
with Mr. Turner's recently published, and admirably
executed, facsimile mezzotint engraving of it; a proof of
which costs 1_l._ 1_s._ Every member of the two Houses--and
every land and sea Captain--ought to hang up this print in
his sitting-room.]
Eighth day's Sale.
6. Esther before Ahasuerus: engraved by Hollar; _first
impression; with the portraits at top; curious and extremely
rare_. 16 0 0
199. Jo. Banfi Hunniades; _proof; very fine and rare_. By
the same. 2 7 0
200. The same print, _with variations_. By the same. 3 15 0
202. The Stone-eater; _with his history below_. By the same.
_Very rare._ 4 4 0
248. Sir Thomas Chaloner; by the same. _A proof impression.
One of the scarcest prints in existence._ 59 17 0
[A similar print has been since sold for 74_l._; which is in
the collection of Mr. John Townley; whose HOLLARS are
unrivalled!]
256. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; _before the alteration_. By
the same. 2 10 0
257. Devereux, Earl of Essex; _on horseback_. By the same. 4
5 0
258. Devereux, Earl of Essex: _standing on foot; whole
length_. By the same. 4 4 0
259. Algernon, Earl of Northumberland; _on horseback_. By
the same. 14 0 0
266. Lady Elizabeth Shirley; _an unfinished proof, the
chaplet round her head being only traced; curious and
extremely rare_. By the same. 10 10 0
267. _A reverse of the proof; very fine_. By the same. 5 5 0
CATALOGUE OF SIR WILLIAM MUSGRAVE'S PRINTS.
Third Day's Sale.
29. George, Earl of Berkeley; oval, _in his robes_, 1679;
_extra fie [Transcriber's Note: fine] and rare_. 10 5 0
45. George, Duke of Buckingham; oval; _cloak over his left
arm, hand on sword, nine lines expressive of his titles,
&c._ Sold by P. Stent: _fine and extra rare_. 4 12 0
109. George, Earl of Cumberland; _whole length, dressed for
a tournament_. By R. White. 11 0 0
Fifth Day's Sale.
94. The Newcastle Family, in a room, after Diepenbeke, by
Clowet; _a beautiful proof, before the verses, extra rare_.
39 18 0
[There is a very indifferent copy of this print. The
original may be seen in the collection of the Marquis of
Stafford and Sir M.M. Sykes, Bart. Nothing can exceed the
tenderness and delicacy of Clowet's engraving of this
naturally conceived and well-managed picture.]
Tenth Day's Sale.
82. Richard Smith; virtuoso and literary character. By W.
Sherwin; _extra rare and fine_. [See my account of this
distinguished bibliomaniac at p. 302, ante. Sir M.M. Sykes
is in possession of Sir William Musgrave's copy of the
portrait.] 7 17 0
Eleventh Day's Sale.
30. Sir Francis Willoughby; _with a view of Wollaton Hall_;
mezzotint by T. Man, _extra rare_. 13 2 6
43. Sir Francis Wortley; 1652, folio: with trophies, books,
&c., by A. Hertochs: extra rare and fine. 29 10 0
Eighteenth Day's Sale.
78. Dr. Francis Bernard; _a touched proof_; _very rare_.
[The reader may recollect this sagacious bibliomaniac, as
noticed at page 316, ante.] 4 14 6
Twentieth Day's Sale.
85. Sir Matthew Lister; M.D. 1646; by P. Van Somer; _fine
proof, extra rare_. 14 14 0
86. Humphrey Lloyd, of Denbigh, Antiquary, ætat. 34, 1651.
By Faber, 1717, _extra rare and fine_. 4 7 0
Twenty-first Day's Sale.
9. Sir John Marsham; ætat. 80. By R. White, _extra rare and
fine_. 6 6 0
19. Martin Master; ætat. 53. 1607. By R. Gaywood, _extra_
rare _and_ fine. 8 8 0
Twenty-seventh Day's Sale.
80. Lady Paston, wife of Sir William Paston, by W.
Faithorne; _extra rare and fine_. 31 0 0
82. Mary, Countess of Pembroke, by Simon Passe, 1618. _Fine
and rare._ 10 0 0
83. Penelope, Countess of Pembroke, in an oval, by W.
Hollar. _Rare._ 3 6 0
84. Anne Clifford, Countess of Pembroke, by R. White:
_extra_ rare _and_ fine. 7 17 6
[The prints at this sale--the catalogue containing 323
pages--were sold for 4987_l._ 17_s._]
MISCELLANEOUS CATALOGUES OF PRINTS.
First Day's Sale.
58. Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector, in a square. "This
portrait was etched by Hollar, but he was afraid to put his
name to it; and the plate was destroyed as soon as Richard
resigned his pretensions to the Protectorship." Note by Mr.
Hillier. _Very rare._ 1 10 0
61. Lord Digby, in armour; after Vander Borcht. _Extra_ rare
_and_ fine. 9 9 0
64. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, _standing, whole length:
army in the distance_, 1644, _fine and rare_. 5 5 0
65. The same, on horseback: under the horse a map of
England; 1643: _first state of the plate; extra fine and
rare_. 9 0 0
73. Hollar's own portrait, in an oval, ætat. 40, 1647: _with
variations in the arms_. 3 3 0
Sixth Day's Sale.
53. Sir William Paston, 1659: esteemed Faithorne's finest
portrait: _extra rare_. 10 15 0
56. Carew Reynell, from the Fothergill collection: _extra_
fine _and_ rare. 16 5 6
62. Prince Rupert, in armour, _right hand on the breast_:
after Vandyck. Sold by Robert Peake. _Extra_ fine _and_
rare. 9 0 0
Thirteenth Day's Sale.
54. King and Queen of Bohemia, and five children, by Wm.
Passe, with thirty-two Englishes [qu?]; 1621: _extra fine
and rare_, The same plate; _with the addition of five
children; the youngest in a cradle_. 4 11 0
55. The same, sitting under a tree; with four children; the
youngest playing with a rabbit: fine _and_ rare. 6 6 0
92. James, Duke of York: _with the anchor, proof_; very fine
and rare. (16th day's sale.) 5 2 6
72. Sir Francis Winderbank and Lord Finch; _with Finch's
wings flying to Winderbank_; extra rare. (19th day.) 25 0 0
_A Catalogue of a genuine and valuable Collection of English
and Foreign Portraits, &c., sold by Auction by Mr.
Richardson, February_ 18, 1798.
1ST DAY'S SALE.
34. Princess Augusta Maria, daughter of Charles I. _in hat
and feather_, ætat. 15, 1646: by Henry Danckers, 1640. _Fine
and rare._ 3 3 0
57. Anne, Queen of James I. with her daughter Anne;
_curiously dressed, whole length_. By J. Visscher: _extra_
fine _and_ rare. 6 0 0
41. Mary, Queen of Scotts: "Scotorumque nunc Regina"--_in an
oval: cap adorned with jewels, feather-fan in her hand_, &c.
By Peter Mynginus: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 6 12 0
53. Prince Frederick, Count Palatine, with Princess
Elizabeth, _whole length, superbly dressed_: By R.
Elstracke: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 14 0 0
74. Henry the Eighth, _with hat and feather, large fur
tippet_: by C. M(atsis); _very_ fine, _and supposed unique_.
10 10 0
79. Mary, Queen of Scots: _veil'd cross at her breast:
ætat._ 44, 1583: _extra_ fine _and_ rare. 9 2 6
80. Queen Elizabeth; _superbly dressed, between two pillars:
extra_ fine _and_ rare. 15 15 0
_A Catalogue of a valuable and genuine Collection of Prints,
Drawings, and elegantly illustrated Books, &c., sold by
auction by Mr. Richardson; March_, 1800.
143. Henry, Lord Darnley, by Passe; fine _and very_ rare. 16
0 0
186. Sir Philip Sidney, by Elstracke; _extremely_ fine. 3 1 0
263. Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, by ditto, _extra_ fine
_and_ rare. 13 0 0
264. Edward Somerset, Earl of Worcester, by Simon Passe:
rare _and_ fine. 7 15 0
265. Henry Vere, Earl of Oxford, sold by Compton Holland;
_very_ rare _and_ fine. 9 0 0
273. Henry Wriothesly, Earl of Southampton, by Simon Passe;
_most brilliant impression, extra rare_. 13 5 0
278. Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, by the same; _rare and
very fine_. 5 0 0
279. Richard Sackville, Earl of Dorset, by the same; _extra
fine and rare_--(with a copy by Thane). 3 0 0
280. John Digby, Earl of Bristol; rare and fine: from the
Fothergill Collection. 13 0 0
281. Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle, by Simon Passe; _rare
and very fine_. 5 2 6
284. Edmund, Baron Sheffield: by Elstracke; _very fine_. 14
10 0
286. James, Lord Hay, by Simon Passe; _brilliant
impression_, fine _and_ rare. 9 0 0
294. George Mountaine, Bishop of London; G.Y. sculpsit;
_very fine and rare_. 5 10 0
330. Sir Julius Cæsar, by Elstracke; _extra_ fine _and_
rare. 23 12 6
335. Arthurus Severus Nonesuch O'Toole, by Delaram; _most
brilliant impression, and very rare_ (with the copy). 11 11 0
367. Sir John Wynn de Gwedir, by Vaughan; _very rare_. 6 6 0
472. Prince Frederic Henry, by Delaram: _very_ fine _and_
rare. 5 7 6
479. Prince Rupert, by Faithorne; _very_ fine _and_ rare. 7
5 0
567. Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull; _whole length;
extremely_ rare _and_ fine. 43 1 0
812. Edward Mascall, by Gammon. 7 3 0
946. Edward Wetenhall, Bishop of Corke and Ross; mezzotint,
by Becket; _fine_. 5 0 0
960. Andrew Lortie, by Van Somer. 13 5 0
979. Thomas Cole, large mezzotint. 4 10 0
997. Sir William Portman, mezzotint. 7 10 0
1001. Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, by Blooteling;
_exceeding_ fine _impression_. 6 0 0
1013. Sir Patrick Lyon, of Carse, by White. 5 5 0
1033. Sir Greville Verney, by Loggan. 5 10 0
1045. Marmaduke Rawdon, by White; fine. 14 0 0
1048. Slingsby Bethel, _whole length_, by W. Sherwin (with
small copy). 17 5 0
1054. Samuel Malines, by Lombart; very fine. 12 0 0
1057. Thomas Killegrew, _as sitting with the dog_: by
Faithorne. 16 0 0
_A Catalogue of a very choice assemblage of ENGLISH
PORTRAITS, and of Foreigners who have visited England:
serving to illustrate GRANGER'S BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY; the
property of an eminent Collector_, &c., Sold by auction, by
Messrs. King and Lochée, April, 1810.
But it is time to pause. The present note may have
completely served to shew, not only that Lysander was right
in drawing such bold conclusions respecting the consequences
resulting from the publication of Granger's Biographical
History, and the capriciousness of print-fanciers respecting
impressions _in their various stages_, and with _all their
varieties_,--but, that the pursuit of PRINT-COLLECTING is
both costly and endless. For one 'fine and rare' _print_, by
Hollar, Faithorne, Elstracke, the Passes, Delaram, or White,
how many truly precious and useful _volumes_ may be
collected? "All this is vastly fine reasoning"--methinks I
hear a Grangerite exclaim--"but compare the comfort afforded
by your 'precious and useful volumes' with that arising from
the contemplation of eminent and extraordinary characters,
executed by the _burin_ of some of those graphic heroes
before-mentioned--and how despicable will the dry unadorned
volume appear!! On a dull, or rainy day, look at an
illustrated Shakespeare, or Hume, and then find it in your
heart, if you can, to depreciate the GRANGERIAN PASSION!!" I
answer, the Grangerite is madder than the Bibliomaniac:--and
so let the matter rest.]
Next let us discuss the serious subject of the _background_!--whether
it be square or oval; dark or light; put in or put out; stippled or
stroked; and sundry other similar, but most important, considerations.
Again; there are engravings of _different sizes_, and _at different
periods_, of the same individual, or object: and of these, the
varieties are as infinite as of any of those attached to the vegetable
system. I will not attempt even an outline of them. But I had nearly
forgotten to warn you, in your REMBRANDT _Prints_, to look sharply
after _the Burr_!
ALMAN. Mercy on us--what is this _Burr_?!
LYSAND. A slight imperfection only; which, as it rarely occurs, makes
the impression more valuable. It is only a sombre tinge attached to
the copper, before the plate is sufficiently polished by being worked;
and it gives a smeared effect, like smut upon a lady's face, to the
impression! But I am becoming satirical. Which is the next symptom
that you have written down for me to discourse upon?
LIS. I am quite attentive to this delineation of a _Print
Connoisseur_; and will not fail to mark _all the_ REMBRANDT[438]
_varieties_, and take heed to the _Burr_!
[Footnote 438: All the book and print world have heard of
DAULBY'S _Descriptive Catalogue of the works of Rembrandt_,
&c. Liverpool, 1796, 8vo. The author's collection of
Rembrandt's prints (according to a MS. note prefixed to my
copy of it, which is upon _large paper_ in 4to.--of which
_only fifty_ impressions were struck off) was sold at
Liverpool, in 1799, in one lot; and purchased by Messrs.
Colnaghi, Manson, and Vernon, for 610_l._ It was sold in
1800, in separate lots, for 650_l._, exclusively of every
expense; after the purchasers had been offered 800_l._ for
the same. Some of these prints came into the possession of
the late Mr. Woodhouse (vide p. 441, ante); and it is from
the Catalogue of _his_ Collection of prints that I present
the reader with the following
REMBRANDTIANA;
beseeching him to take due heed to what Lysander has above
alluded to by _all the Varieties and the Burr_!
Lot 5 Daulby 30. Abraham entertaining the three angels;
_very_ fine, _with the burr, on India paper_. £2 18_s._
0_d._
10 43. The Angel appearing to the Shepherds; _very fine,
presque unique_. 6 0 0
14 56. The flight into Egypt, in the style of Elsheimer; _on
India paper, the 1st impression, extremely rare_. 4 16 0
22 75. The Hundred Guilder Piece. This impression on India
paper, _with the burr_, is acknowledged by the greatest
connoisseurs in this kingdom to be the most brilliant
extant. 42 0 0
23 75. Ditto, restored plate, by Capt. Baillie, _likewise on
India paper, and very fine_. 2 12 6
25 77. The Good Samaritan; _the 1st impression with the
white tail_, most beautifully finished, with a light point,
and fine hand; very fine and rare. 6 6 0
27 79. Our Lord before Pilate, _second impression on India
paper_, fine _and_ scarce. 5 15 6
28 79. Same subject, third impression, _with the mask,
extremely rare_: from the collection of the Burgomaster Six.
4 4 0
30 84. The Descent from the Cross. This print is beautifully
executed, the composition is grand, and the head full of
character; _1st and most brilliant impression_. 15 15 0
39 117. The Rat-killer; _a most beautiful impression_. 3 3 0
42 126. The Marriage of Jason and Creusa; _a 1st impression,
without the crown_, on India paper, very brilliant. 4 10 0
45 152. The Hog; a remarkably fine impression, from
Houbraken's collection: _scarce_. 1 14 0
46 154. The Shell. This piece is finely executed, and this
impression, _with the white ground, may be regarded as
presque unique_. 9 10 0
47 178. Ledikant, or French Bed. _This is the entire plate,
and is a very great rarity._ 4 14 6
56 194. The Woman with the Arrow: _very scarce_. 2 15 0
61 204. The Three Trees; _as fine as possible_. 6 10 0
63 209. A Village near a high road, arched: _1st impression
on India paper, before the cross hatchings_: scarce. 4 14 6
67 213. A landscape of an irregular form; _1st impression,
with the burr, very scarce_. 5 0 0
82 232. Blement de Jonge; _1st impression, the upper bar of
the chair is left white, extremely rare_. 2 7 0
83 252. Ditto, _second impression_, very _scarce_. 1 7 0
84 252. Ditto, third impression, _very_ fine. 2 10 0
85 253. Abraham France, _with the curtain, on India paper_.
5 5 0
86 353. [Transcriber's Note: 253.] Ditto: _with the chair_.
3 18 0
87 254. Ditto; _with the figures on the paper which he holds
in his wands_. All these impressions are rare and fine. 5 10 0
88 254. Old Haaring or Haring, the Burgo-master; _beautiful
impression on India paper, with the burr, extremely rare_. 7
7 0
89 255. Young Haaring, beautiful impression from Houbraken's
collection; _scarce_. 6 6 0
90 256. John Lutma; _1st impression before the window_, &c.
_extremely rare_. 4 10 3
93 257. John Aselyn; _1st impression, with the easel,
extremely rare_. 9 2 0
97 259. Wtenbogardus, the Dutch Minister; a most beautiful
and brilliant impression, oval, on a square plate; _proof,
before the pillar, arch, verses, or any inscription: presque
unique_. 9 19 6
99 261. The Gold Weigher; _1st impression, with_ THE FACE
BLANK, _extremely rare_. 10 10 0
100 261. Ditto; _a most beautiful and brilliant impression;
and esteemed the_ finest _extant_. From the collection of
Capt. Baillie. 21 0 0
101 262. The Little Coppenol, with the picture; _the second
and rarest impression, generally esteemed the 1st_; from the
Earl of Bute's collection. 7 7 0
102 262. Ditto; without the picture, very fine. 1 13 0
103 263. The great Coppenol, remarkably fine. 4 14 6
104 265. The Advocate Tol; _a superb impression, extremely
rare with the copy_. 54 12 0
145 265. The Burgo-master Six; _a most extraordinary
impression, the name and age of the Burgo-master are
wanting, and the two middle figures in the date are
reversed: a very great rarity_. 36 15 0